Photovoltaic systems with intermittent and continuous recycling of light

ABSTRACT

The one or more embodiments of the present invention propose a novel photovoltaic system. The system can include a housing and at least one layer of photovoltaic panels inside the housing. Photovoltaic cells can be arranged on the panel. Light is reflected in many ways and recycled within the housing either continuously or intermittently. This can reduce the loss of light energy back into the atmosphere due to reflections from the panel and can also improve the working efficiency of the photovoltaic cells by creating multiple passes for the light either continuously or intermittently.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority toU.S. Ser. No. 14/506,232 filed Oct. 3, 2014, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein, and which also claims benefit ofprovisional patent application No. 62/003,790 filed May 28, 2014 andprovisional patent application No. 62/039,704 filed Aug. 20, 2014.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of photovoltaicsystems for conversion of solar energy into electrical energy using amethod of recycling of light intermittently or continuously. Use ofrenewable energies is increasing because of the limited supply of coal,petroleum products and other hydrocarbons. Renewable energy sources aregreen and environmentally friendly. Among the renewable energies, solarenergy is freely and abundantly available.

Various commonly used devices are operable with solar energy. Forexample, solar calculators are very common. In addition to solar energy,these calculators work under any source of light energy. Similarly wristwatches are also available that work under light energy of any kind.Solar and other light energies are useful for several applications, frompowering space stations to many household appliances.

Photovoltaic systems use solar radiation—both direct and scatteredsunlight—to create electrical energy. The basic building blocks of aphotovoltaic system are solar/photovoltaic cells. The cells typicallyconsist of semiconductor materials that convert light into electricity.In order to increase power output, a plurality of cells can beinterconnected to form panels or modules. The panels are typically flat.Several modules can be installed in a rack to form a photovoltaic array.Photovoltaic systems further include mounting racks and hardware for thepanels, wiring for electrical connections, and power conditioningequipment, including inverters and optional batteries for electricitystorage.

The energy conversion efficiency or ECE (η) of the cells is thepercentage of the incident photon energy in the form of sunlight or anyother source of light that is converted to electrical energy. When aphoton penetrates a photovoltaic cell, it can produce an electron-holepair. The pair generated may contribute to the current produced by thecell or may recombine with no net contribution to cell current.

SUMMARY

The one or more embodiments of the present invention propose a novelphotovoltaic system. The system can include a housing and at least onepanel layer inside the housing. Semi-conductors/solar cells can bearranged on the panel. Light is recycled within the housing eithercontinuously or intermittently. This will reduce the loss from thereflections outside the housing and will also improve the workingefficiency of the semi-conductors/solar cells by creating the multiplepasses, continuously or intermittently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of certain embodiments will be more readilyappreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. The figures are not to be construed as limiting any of thepreferred embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a photovoltaic (PV) systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention wherein the housingaccommodates diamond shaped elongated panels, inverted V-Shaped panelsand archway panels all covered with a specialized cover.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the PV system according toan embodiment of the invention, wherein a section of it is expanded toillustrate multiple reflections of the light rays between the panels.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a single elongated panel of thePV system with an inverted V-like shape, according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a single elongated panel of thePV system with a diamond shape according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system with aspecialized cover plate/sheet, bridge plates and base panels.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system without a coverbut having connecting bridge plates for the top layer substituting forthe cover, and regular connecting bridge plates for the inside panels.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system of FIG. 5 withspecialized cover and diamond shaped panels without the bridge platesand with posts to hold the panels.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system with diamond andoval panels with posts to support the panel and one layer of specializedbridge plates for the top panels.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rectangular specialized cover plate/sheet for thehousing according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a dome-shaped specialized cover plate/sheet for thehousing according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a base panel of the housing with non-planar surface,and reflecting base with no gaps and no bridge plates according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a top layer of a specializedtop cover plate/sheet to show an undersurface with different forms ofthe non-planar arrangements when desired, as against planar surfaceaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a PV system with a specialized top cover plate/sheetand a base panel without any intervening panels, and the specialized topcover plate/sheet having a planar undersurface according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a PV system with a specialized top cover plate/sheetand a base panel without any intervening panels, with the specializedtop cover plate/sheet having a non-planar undersurface according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a specialized top cover plate/sheet with hangingvertical mirrors on the undersurface according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 16 illustrates an expanded portion of FIG. 15 according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cooling apparatus with a sprinkler inside a PVsystem according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates the cooling apparatus within the walls of thehousing of the PV system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system comprisingcircular elongated panels supported with rods.

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system with ovalelongated panels with bridge plates.

FIG. 21 illustrates a plurality of elongated top panels according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates an arcuate-shaped elongated top panel according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a diamond-shaped elongated top panel according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a top panel made of smaller hemispherical unitsaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a top panel made of smaller pyramidal unitsaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates a PV system with a frontal view of a mirror assemblyinstalled as part of a building to meet its electrical needs accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 illustrates a PV system with a side view of a mirror assemblyinstalled as part of a building to meet its electrical needs accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of a PV system with a mirrorassembly installed as part of a building to meet its electrical needsaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate front and back perspective views of a mobilephone using the PV system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a motor vehicle using the PVsystem according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32A-32E illustrate various views of a PV system according to yetanother embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description presents several preferred embodiments of thepresent invention in sufficient detail such that those skilled in theart can make and use the invention.

As used herein, the words “comprise,” “have,” “include,” and allgrammatical variations thereof are each intended to have an open,non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements or steps.As used herein, a “fluid” can be a liquid or gas. For example, the fluidmay be water, air, or gas.

Our ability to harvest solar energy continues to be inefficient. Theamount of power generated by a photovoltaic (PV) system can depend on:(a) the amount of the sunlight that reaches the system, and (b) how theavailable light is utilized. Most solar panels cannot capture andutilize optimal light for various reasons. For solar applications, thislimitation reduces the utility of the PV system significantly especiallyin non-tropical regions of the world. The area required for the PVsystem to generate even modest amount of energy is very large and thislimits its utility. Furthermore, conventional present solar panels arecontinuously bombarded by the solar radiation. It is furtherhypothesized that the solar cells may function sub-optimally when theyare constantly stimulated without intervening rest periods.

In a typical solar panel there is about ⅓ of the total light reflectedback into the atmosphere from the outer surface of the panel. Theinfrared and ultraviolet rays are wasted by producing undesirable heatwhen the intended use is to produce electricity. Another portion of thelight passes through the panel without doing anything. All these wastedelements amount to over 50% of the available light. In addition, thereis inherent system inefficiency, due to the single pass of light throughthe semi-conductor, reducing its total energy conversion rate to about17 to 18% efficiency. Yet another serious problem with the present solarpanels may be the factor of continuous stimulation paralyzing the solarcells and reducing its efficiency. The benefit of intermittentstimulation is an area not studied so far and has the potential to makesignificant contribution to the harvesting of solar energy.

Considerable research and development has been devoted to improving thevarious parts of a photovoltaic system to improve generation ofelectricity. Much of the research has been focused on improvements insolar cells and in improving the energy conversion efficiency of solarcells. Research has also been focused on concentrators in which light isfocused by lenses or mirrors onto an array of solar cells. While thedemand for solar and photovoltaic technology continues to growworldwide, widespread use is inhibited by associated costs.

According to one embodiment, a photovoltaic (“PV”) system that canrecycle light is provided to address the concerns with the prior art PVsystems. The PV system can optimize electrical energy output. The PVsystem can include a plurality of layers (for example, multi-planarrows) of panels. In each layer, the panels can be placed with gapsbetween them to allow light rays to pass through. Alternately, or inconjunction with the gaps, the panels may also be interconnected withtransparent bridge plates or connecting elements. Gaps and/or connectingelements may be found in each successive panel layer. The solar panelsor panels in subsequent layers are arranged alternately so that thepanels in a second panel layer are directly below the gaps in the firstlayer and so on to allow the passage of light rays through the gaps. Thetop panels and/or panels beneath the top layer can be non-flat. It isenvisioned that high efficiency cells and other advancements in solarcell technology can be readily incorporated into the PV system accordingto the one or more embodiments disclosed herein. They can facilitatereflection and include (solar) cells on both sides.

The panels may be placed within a housing or enclosure. The housing mayinclude a specialized top cover plate/sheet. The housing, thespecialized top cover plate/sheet for the housing and/or the bridgeplates of the top panel layer may be transparent. An ultraviolet (UV) orinfrared (IR) filter or coating may be further incorporated into anouter surface of the top of the housing or the bridge plate of the toppanel layer. Such a filter or coating may advantageously filter outundesirable UV/IR light bands while allowing optimal bands of light topenetrate into the housing, thereby reducing the generation of heat ifthe heat is not desirable. The inside lining of the housing may also bemade of a material that can reflect solar or other light energy.

Such an arrangement creates a light trap by forcing light to stay withinthe housing. The PV system can utilize the principle of total internalreflection of light. The PV system can facilitate the recycling of lightrays within the housing in multiple planes and multiple directions.Advantageously, the arrangement of the panels with the gaps/transparentconnecting elements can cause the trapped light to be potentiallyreflected multiple times within the PV system which can cause thephotons to repeatedly stimulate the cells. This can result in theproduction of an enhanced amount of electrical energy.

In another embodiment, the PV system can incorporate a cooling apparatusoutside or within the housing. Water, air or other suitable fluids canbe circulated water within the fluid circulator.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, an exemplary embodiment of a PV system100 is described. The PV system 100 comprises a housing 30 having atleast a transparent top cover plate 20. According to this and otherembodiments, the top cover plate 20 may be transparent. In one or moreembodiments, one or more sidewalls 360 (aside from the top) of thehousing 30 may also be transparent. Several elongated panels 10 can bestacked in the housing 30. The panels 10 may be supported by means ofone or more supporting posts 15. The PV system 100 may further include abase panel 310. A plurality of solar/photovoltaic cells (“cells”) 40 maybe arranged along the top and under the surfaces of the panels 10 (shownin FIG. 3 and FIG. 4) and along an upper surface of the base panel 310.The inside surfaces of sidewalls 360 of the housing, including the oneat the bottom, may be provided with reflecting surfaces, to increase theincident photon energy on the panels 10, or maybe lined with additionalpanels 10 or 310.

The surface of the panels 10 and base panel 310 can be corrugated orwavy. This facilitates the reflection and deflection of light rays thatenter the housing 30. The selection of the number of layers of panels10, and the angles at which the panels 10 may be arranged, can bepredetermined to facilitate substantially total internal reflectioninside the housing 30.

Instead of layering the panels 10 tightly within the housing 30, thepanels 10 within each layer can be arranged at a distance or gap 12 fromeach other. The gaps 12 can allow the passage of light into the PVsystem 100 and allow the light to reach secondary and deeper panellayers. Each layer of panels 10 can be spaced apart from a succeedingrow of panels. The size of the gaps 12 and the spacing between thelayers may be predetermined to facilitate substantially total internalreflection inside the housing 30. As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 30 maybe provided with a specialized cover plate/sheet 20 (described later).

As shown, the panels 10 may not have a flat geometry. As shown in FIG.1, the panels 10 may have diamond and inverted V-shapes (they can alsobe inverted-U, ovoid, circular, etc. in cross section). As shown in FIG.7, the panels 10 may be diamond-shaped. For example, FIG. 21 illustratesan embodiment of the PV system 100 having housing 30. The housingincludes a top layer of panels 10 having various shapes, such as,diamond-shaped, oval, and combinations of pyramidal and hemisphericalshapes on the top side and V-like shape on the bottom side. The insidepanel layers are intentionally not depicted in this figure. FIG. 22shows an embodiment of the panels 10 with the top side being ofhemispherical shape and the bottom side being V-like shaped. FIG. 23shows an embodiment of the panels 10 having a diamond-shape. FIG. 24shows an embodiment of the panels 10 with hemispherical units. FIG. 25shows an embodiment of the panels 10 with the top side being ofpyramidal shape and the bottom side being V-like shaped. The purpose ofthese various shapes is to optimize light absorption even when thesunlight is not hitting straight down and is coming down from differentangles. A person skilled in the art can understand that otherembodiments with other such variations in panel geometries and theircombinations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosurefor the intended purpose. It is understood that the various geometriesdisclosed herein are intended to be non-limiting and the panels 10 caninclude any suitable non-planar geometry.

As shown in a cross-sectional figure of the PV system 100 in FIG. 2, thearrangement of multiple panels 10 having non-planar shapes (for example,diamond, inverted V and arcuate) inside the housing 30 can facilitatemultiple reflections of the light rays inside the housing 30.Accordingly, the energy conversion efficiency (ECE) of the photon energyto electrical energy in the PV system 100 can be substantially enhancedover comparable prior art systems.

The arrangement of the cells 40 along non-planar panel 10 is partiallyillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 illustrates a panel 10 having aninverted V-like shape while FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the panel10 which is diamond-shaped in cross section. Now referring to both FIGS.3 and 4, the cells can be assembled along the inside surface of thepanel 10 in two layers, one on the top 40 a and the other on the bottom40 b of the panel 10. The upward 40 a and downward 40 b facing cells canbe arranged along reflecting surfaces 48 c. The cells 40 a, 40 b areprotected at the top and bottom by transparent layers 48 d. The currentgenerated by the cells 40 a and 40 b can be collected in theirrespective coils 46 and collectively sourced to external points by anoutput line 47. Other details for cells are well known in the art andhence not described further herein. The upward facing cells 40 a canreceive the direct incident photon energy as well as energy that isreflected within the housing (as described earlier). The downward facingcells 40 b can also receive energy that is reflected within the housing(as described earlier).

It may be noted here that the panels 10 may be provided with ananti-reflective coating on the top surface 48 b (as shown in FIGS. 6 and8) in order to reduce the top surface reflection of the top panels.

As shown, for example, in FIG. 1, the multiple rows of panels 10 canfacilitate the recycling of light that enter the housing 30 and canminimize the loss of light from the housing 30 into the ambientenvironment. In order to optimize the net ECE of the PV system 100 byutilizing the recycled light, the architecture within the housing 30needs to be optimized. Some of the parameters to be optimized are theshapes of the panels 10, number of rows (or layers) of the panels 10,series of panels 10 within a row, the gaps 12 between the panels 10 in arow, the spacing between the rows and the like. The series of panels 10in successive rows can be positioned so as to cause minimal shadowingeffects on the cells 40. The non-planar surface of the panels 10facilitates the reflection and scattering of light inside the housing30. Light recycling may be facilitated from the multiple panels 10 andthe inside surface of the sidewalls and bottom of the housing 30. Whenmultiple panels 10 are arranged in one layer, each panel 10 may beseparated from an adjacent panel 10 in the same layer by anappropriately sized gap. With multiple layers of panels 10, each layerof panels 10 can be separated from an adjacent layer by an appropriatelysized spacing. The gaps between the panels 10 can enable photon energyto enter the housing 30 and reach the inside or deeper panels 10. Thepanels 10 in each succeeding layer are positioned beneath the gaps in apreceding layer. With multiple panels 10 arranged to cover the gapsbetween the panels 10 just above, reflection of photon energy inmultiple panels 10 and in multiple directions can be facilitated.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system 100 whereinmultiple rows of diamond-shaped panels 10 can be connected and anchoredwith bridge or connecting plates 26 to the sidewalls 360. All orsubstantially all the panels 10 of the PV system 100 may beinterconnected by one or more transparent bridge 26 to form a layer. Thebridge plates 26 can help to secure the panel layers to the walls 360instead of using the support posts 15 (shown in FIG. 1).

The connecting plates 26 may be transparent material like polycarbonate,glass or the like. The housing 30 can include a top having a specializedcover plate/sheet 20 (described in detail later). The illustrated PVsystem 100 also includes a base panel 310.

FIGS. 6 and 8 depict perspective views of a PV system 100 having panels10. As shown, instead of a top specialized cover plate/sheet (as shownin FIG. 5), the topmost row of panels 10 may be interconnected by aplurality of connecting or bridge plates 26 a. The top bridge plates 26a may be transparent material like polycarbonate, glass or the like. Theresulting interconnected top panel can serve as the top cover plate forthe housing 30, except that in this case the top bridge plates 26 a canhave the special features (described below) of the specialized top coverplate/sheet (shown in FIG. 5). The internal bridge plates 26, shown inFIG. 6, may be simple transparent sheets. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8omits the internal bridge plates. Instead, the panels 10 are supportedby posts 15.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate perspective views of the specialized coverplate/sheet 20. The specialized cover plate/sheet 20 can form a top wallfor the housing of the PV system (as described earlier). FIG. 9illustrates a rectangular specialized cover plate/sheet 20 a (pleaselabel) for the housing while FIG. 10 illustrates a dome-shapedspecialized cover plate/sheet 20 b for the housing. The specializedcover plate/sheet 20 may be made of a thin sheet of a transparentmaterial like polycarbonate, glass or the like so that the sheet doesnot substantially hinder any sunlight reaching the panels 10.Alternately a filter(s) (not shown) may also be used over thespecialized cover plate/sheet 20 or on top of bridge plate 26 a toreceive desired frequency band from incident photon energy for reachingthe panels to optimize the ECE while reducing side effects like heating.The specialized cover plate/sheet 20 can help to keep the inside panelscleaner, thereby increasing their life.

The specialized cover plate/sheet 20 a, 20 b may substantially envelopethe PV system (shown earlier). The covers specialized cover plate/sheet20 a, 20 b can be used over an individual panel or it can be groupedinto a single integral cover for a series of panels. Other combinationsare also within the scope of this invention. In an alternate embodiment,these specialized covers 20 a, 20 b (without the remaining components ofthe PV system of the embodiments of the invention) can be incorporatedseparately into new or existing solar panels designs.

The specialized covers 20 a, 20 b can be configured with infrared andultraviolet filters and can have a coating on the undersurface 350 toprevent incident photon energy/light from escaping out. The undersurface350 of the specialized cover plate/sheet 20 a, 20 b is designed for thelight from inside the housing to reflect back onto the cells. Byselecting different types of the various one-way reflecting systemsknown in the art, a desirable balance may be achieved between the lightpassing through into the housing and the light reflected back into thehousing of the PV system. Alternately, an electrochromatic technique canbe incorporated into the undersurface 350 in order to block the lightpenetration completely or partially, but intermittently so as to provideintermittent stimulation of the cells 40. The photon energy can beforced to reflect back. Furthermore, the inside surface of the sidewalls360 may be coated with a suitable totally reflecting material, such thatthe light is totally reflected back into the housing. A vacuum may becreated in the space between the covers 20 a and 20 b and the panelsinside the housing to facilitate these multiple reflections withoutlosing energy in the process.

The undersurface 350 of the specialized cover plate/sheet 20 a, 20 bshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and shown separately in FIG. 12, and the insideof the sidewalls 360 may be planar and may also be non-planar. Theundersurface 350 and the inside of the sidewalls 360 may be shaped as ahalf diamond, oval or spherical shape on cross section and can bearranged in any pattern. Other shapes are also within the scope of thisinvention. The surfaces 350 and 360 can also be textured or corrugated.

With these modifications on the undersurface 350 and to the insidesidewalls 360 and the reflection and scattering from the panels and thebase panel (as shown, for example, in FIG. 5), light is forced toscatter back onto the panels inside the housing thereby facilitatingmultiple passes of the available light (as shown in FIG. 2). This willalso help a rather uniform distribution of light onto panelsirrespective of the angle in which the light enters the PV system, whichthereby increases their efficiency. The specialized cover plate/sheet 20a, 20 b can be modified with infrared and ultraviolet filters, so thatthe heat production is minimized. This modification is similar to theultraviolet filters incorporated into sunglasses and other similardevices. It is generally known that the visible light spectrum iscapable of producing electricity, whereas infrared and ultravioletwavelengths produce more heat than electricity. Through this combinationof features the portion of the light that passes through the base panel(shown in FIG. 5, for example), without being converted to electricity,will be reflected back and forth inside the housing of the PV system.The PV system may be conveniently converted into hybrid photovoltaicthermal systems used to heat water or other fluids or materials bymodifying specialized cover plate/sheet 20 a, 20 b appropriately with asuitable filter.

The wave filtration by the cover plates, internal reflection of thecover plates, intermittent opacification of the cover plates, the shapeof the cover plates, the nature of the undersurface of the cover plates,the frequency of the opacification of the cover plates, the depth of thehousing, the number of the panels in the multiple layers and the gapsbetween the panels, various techniques of maintaining optimaltemperature in the housing and the technique of concentration of lightto the PV system with mirrors are some of the variables that can bemanipulated to achieve increased electricity production from the solarenergy from a given surface area.

FIG. 11 represents a perspective view of a base panel 310, havingcells/semi-conductors 40 arranged in a non-planar arrangement such thatincident photon energy/light can reflect upwards and to the sides tofacilitate scatter. The base panel 310 may not have gaps 12 or thebridge plates (shown earlier). The non-planar arrangement can beachieved by having the surface of the base panel 310 made up of, forexample, half a diamond, oval or spherical shapes in cross section. Thetop surface 330 of the base panels 310 can be textured or corrugated.The base 335 of the panels 310 may be incorporated with a totallyreflecting layer. The non-planar surface with or without thetextured/corrugated surface along with the reflecting base 335 mayfacilitate light reflecting and scattering upwards and to the sides fromthe base panel 310.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a top layer of a specializedtop cover plate/sheet 20 c. The specialized top cover plate/sheet 20 cincludes an undersurface 350 with different forms of the non-planararrangements.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate yet another embodiment of a PV system 100.According to this embodiment, the housing 30 can have sidewalls 360 asshown. The housing 30 can include only a base panel 310. As shown inFIG. 13, the PV system 100 may have a specialized top cover plate/sheet20 which has a flat under surface. The under surface or sidewalls 350may be coated with a light reflecting material 22. As shown in FIG. 14,the specialized top cover plate/sheet 20 may have a non-planar undersurface. The non-planar surface can be of any shape, for example, thesemay be V, U, hemispherical, or any other combination of shapes. Lightrays 75 enter into the PV system where it can be reflected and bouncedbetween the under surface of the top cover plate/sheet, the base panel310 and the sidewalls 360.

FIG. 15 illustrates an isometric view a PV system 100 a. The PV system100 a includes a top cover plate/sheet 420 and a base panel 410. The topcover plat/sheet is analogous to the specialized top cover plate/sheetdescribed earlier. Mirrors 430 may be affixed to the undersurface of thetop cover plate/sheet 420. FIG. 16 shows an expanded view of the mirrors430 attached to 420. The top cover plate/sheet 420 may be transparent.With reference to both FIGS. 15 and 16, mirrors 430 can be used toreflect photon energy back to the panel 410 and preventing the photonenergy from escaping through the cover 420.

In yet another embodiment of the PV system 100, as seen in FIGS. 17 and18, panels 10 in different shapes can be laid inside one or moresidewalls 360 and/or the bottom of the housing 30. For simplicity, therows of the panels 10 inside the housing 30 are not shown. The panels 10on the sidewalls and/or the bottom of the housing 30 may not includegaps and may not be interconnected with bridge plates (as shownearlier).

FIG. 17 includes cooling apparatus 28. The cooling apparatus 28 mayinclude piping 28 d for circulation of a fluid (for example, water). Thepiping 28 d may be positioned inside the housing 30. The coolingapparatus 28 has an inlet port 28 a and an outlet port 28 b. The piping28 d includes one or more apertures or openings 28 c for sprinklingwater or any suitable fluid onto the panels 10. The sprinkled fluidhelps to maintain the panels 10 at an optimal temperature to providebetter ECE. The sprinkled fluid also helps to keep the panels 10cleaner. The fluid inside the piping 28 d may be heated as it circulatesthrough the PV system 100. The heated sprinkled fluid can be collectedfrom the outlet port 28 b and may also be utilized for any suitablepurpose, such as for domestic use. Alternately, this embodiment can bemade to optimize electricity production without any regard for theharvesting of heat energy. The cooling apparatus 28 is then utilizedonly to keep the temperature of the cells in the optimal range.

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the PV system 100. The PVsystem 100 includes cooling apparatus 29 to remove waste heat. Asillustrated, cooling apparatus 29 includes a container 29 c positionedoutside the housing 30. The container 29 c may be filled with water orany other suitable fluid. The cooling apparatus 29 has an inlet port 29a and an outlet port 29 b. As the housing 30 gets heated, excess heatenergy may be transferred from the walls of the housing 30 to the fluidinside the container 29 c. The heated fluid from the outlet port 29 bcan be useful such as for domestic applications. Dissipating out theheat from the walls of the housing 30 may cool the housing 30, therebycooling the panels 10 for a more optimized performance. Referring toboth FIGS. 18 and 19, in the absence of this cooling apparatus 28, 29,residual heat can be pumped out of the PV system 100 by fans (as in thevarious electronic devices).

FIGS. 19 and 20 show embodiments of the PV system 100. The PV system 100includes internal panels 10 of circular and oval shapes respectively.The top panels may 10 may be diamond-shaped. The panels 10 may includecells 40 (and, as shown in FIG. 19, the panels 10 may be supported onposts 15). The sidewalls 360 of the housing 30 may be provided withreflecting surfaces 22 for further enhancing the incident photon energyon the cells 40. The reflecting surfaces 22 may be used with just thebase panels 310 in the housing 30, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a view of the PV system 100 installed in aresidential house or building 110 along with a mirror assembly 50, in afront and side elevation view, respectively, for enhancing the incidentphoton energy (not shown) on the panels 10. A separate room in thebuilding 110 can be dedicated for the PV system 100. The electricalneeds of the building 110 can be accommodated by the PV system 100. ThePV system 100 can also be mounted above a garage 110 a or placedadjacent to the building 110 as a freestanding unit.

FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment of the PV system 100 wherein themirror assembly 50 (shown in FIGS. 26 and 27) is advantageously in anarcuate shape for providing focused photon energy to the PV system 100.The mirror assembly 50 can include a plurality of individual mirrors 50a arranged on one or more vertical supporting stands 50 b in order toreflect the photon energy onto the panels 10 placed inside housing 30.In use, the mirror assembly 50 may be provided with a railing assembly170. The vertical supporting stands 50 b can be configured to rotate ontheir own axis or tilt and move in a suitable manner so as to maximallyredirect the photon energy on the panels 10 (and, thereby activate thecells therein), depending upon the height and position of the sun in thesky. The mirror assembly 50 can be configured to be easily assembled anddissembled using techniques known in the art. For example, mirrorassembly 50 can be conveniently folded down to protect it under badweather conditions.

The railing assembly 170 and/or the angles of the mirror assembly 50 caninclude sensors (not shown) to automatically track the direction of thesun and to automatically adjust their position relative to the housing30 such that the PV system 100 is always facing the sun for furtherenhancing the incident photon energy. Alternately, by making the mirrorassembly 50 face the East direction in the morning and face the Westdirection in the evening, increased light collection and focusing isfacilitated. Depending on whether the sun in North or South of theequator, the mirror assembly 50 can be configured to move 360 degreesevery 24 hours in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction respectivelyin southern hemisphere or vice versa in the northern hemisphere. Thisallows the PV system 100 to be more efficient in the collection of solarenergy (which is then converted into electrical energy), without theneed for sensors.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate front and back perspective views of a mobilephone using the PV system according to an embodiment of the inventionwhere the PV system 100 is installed at the rear for providingelectrical power for operation of the phone 120. However, the PV system100 may be installed on the sides or the top or bottom of the mobilephone 120. One or more of the embodiments of the PV system 100 describedearlier may be implemented here. The PV system 100 may eliminate theneed for a conventional mobile phone battery. Alternately, the PV system100 can be an independent unit and can be used as a solar batterycharger for the mobile phone, laptop and other devices.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a motor vehicle using the PVsystem 130 to use the generated electrical power for operations in thevehicle 130. One or more of the embodiments of the PV system 100described earlier may be implemented here. Alternately, a larger unitmay be installed on the ground at desirable locations to rechargeelectric cars. Yet another option is to have large trucks as mobileunits equipped with the PV system 130 to be made available to rechargeelectric cars on the highways and roads.

According to an embodiment, a method for optimizing the harvesting ofsolar energy includes: providing a photovoltaic system for receiving thesolar energy, the photovoltaic system comprising: a housing; and atleast one layer of a panel arranged in the housing. The recycling ofincident light in the housing is enabled. The light can beintermittently or continuously recycled. The amount of reflections canbe modified by the percentage of reflection, non-planar surface types ofthe panels, the amount of reflecting areas and other methods to optimizethe desired amount of reflection to maximize electricity generation.

The photovoltaic system can include a specialized top cover plate/sheetfor the housing. The specialized top cover plate/sheet may be covered orcoated with an ultraviolet filter and/or an infra-red filter. Thespecialized top cover plate/sheet can be configured to filter outspecific light wave lengths and to reflect light inside the housing backon to the panels. A reflective surface may be provided underneath thespecialized top cover plate/sheet. The photovoltaic system can furtherconfigured to at least intermittently block off light from partially orcompletely entering the housing. For example, the specialized top coverplate/sheet can be configured to intermittently block off lightpartially or completely entering the housing, in order to stimulate thesolar cells intermittently.

At least one or more sidewalls of the housing may be provided with asubstantially totally reflecting surface. The housing can be vacuumsealed and vacuum insulated. The housing may have reflecting sidewallsand bottom with a unique panel geometry and arrangement to facilitatevariable but optimal reflection and recycling of light inside thehousing. The housing includes special panels having solar cells on thetop and the bottom surfaces overlying a reflecting base at the top andthe bottom. The housing can include specialized panels arranged withsolar cells and reflecting surfaces on the top and on the bottom,arranged in a diamond shape, oval shape, circular or any suchcombination on cross section. The housing may be provided with a toplayer of panels in elongated sheets or in the form of pyramids,hemispheres, etc.

An optimal temperature is maintained inside the housing by circulationof fluid inside or outside the housing.

In another embodiment, the photovoltaic system may include at least twoor more panels. The panels may be arranged such that there is apredetermined spacing between the panels. The panels may include one ormore photovoltaic cells (semi-conductors). One or more of the panels isa non-planar panel. The panels can be textured and corrugated. Thepanels can include cells on its top and the bottom surfaces overlying areflecting base at the top and the bottom. The panels can be diamondshape, oval shape, circular or any such combination in cross section.

In another embodiment, the photovoltaic system may include a pluralityof layers of panels, wherein each layer of panels comprises two or morepanels. Each of the panels in a second and in a subsequent layer ofpanels is positioned substantially beneath the spacing between each ofthe panels in a first or a previous layer of panels such that therecycling of light is facilitated.

The spacing between the panels in the second and subsequent layer ofpanels is arranged substantially underneath each panel in the first orprevious layers of panels. Each of the panels in the first and second(or subsequent) layer of panels comprises a shape configured toaccomplish a near total or total internal reflection for the recyclingof light. The layers of panels are arranged at a suitable non-planarsurface angulation such that a substantial amount of the light istrapped in the housing, and recycled. Light may be allowed to fallintermittently or continuously on the panels.

Upon the condition that the housing is devoid of a specialized top coverplate/sheet, the panels in a first/top panel layer may be interconnectedby covering the spacing between the panels with one or more bridgesheets. The top layer of panels may be elongated sheets or in the formof pyramids, hemispheres, etc. The bridge sheets in the first panellayer may be coated or covered with an ultraviolet filter and/or aninfra-red filter. A reflective surface may be provided underneath thebridge sheets. The bridge sheet of the top panel may have all or most ofthe characteristics of the specialized top cover plate/sheet.

Production of electrical energy may be optimized by providing aphotovoltaic system according to one or more embodiments, wherein thephotovoltaic system includes a reflective surface on one or more of thefollowing: underneath the specialized top cover plate/sheet or top layerbridge sheet, on top of the panels, on an undersurface of the panels, onone or more sidewalls of the housing and on an inside surface of thebottom of the housing.

According to an embodiment, an intermittent stimulation of thephotovoltaic cells may be facilitated by intermittent gradedopacification of at least one of the specialized top cover plate/sheetfor the housing or the bridge sheet at variable frequencies.

According to an embodiment, a mirror assembly is provided. The mirrorassembly can be configured to move over a railroad like arrangementaround the photovoltaic system to redirect the light onto the housing.The mirror assembly comprises a plurality of mirrors and one or moremirror stands for the mirrors. The mirror stands are arranged in aseries to form a semi-circle or a portion of a semi-circle. According toan embodiment, a photovoltaic system is disclosed herein. Thephotovoltaic system includes: a housing; and one or more layers of atleast two or more panels arranged in the regular or vacuum sealedhousing, wherein each of the panels is arranged with a predeterminedspacing between the panels, and wherein a predetermined spacing isprovided between each of the two or more panel layers to facilitate neartotal or total internal reflection, and recycling of light in thehousing. The photovoltaic system can be positioned on an adjustablerack. The adjustable rack can be configured for use on a vehicle.According to another embodiment, the photovoltaic system is configuredto be used as a grounded or mobile unit to charge electric cars.

According to another embodiment, the photovoltaic system is configuredto be used as a charging device for mobile phones, laptops and othersimilar devices. The photovoltaic system can be configured for use on amobile phone to substantially eliminate the need for a conventionalrechargeable battery.

According to another embodiment, the photovoltaic system can be locatedon a building to provide the electrical needs of the building.

Energy production may be optimized by arranging a reflecting surface onone or more of the following: the undersurface of each panel on thefirst layer of panels; a top and undersurface of each panel on asubsequent layer of panels, and the top panel if the special cover isused; and an inside surface of the housing.

According to another embodiment, the photovoltaic system can optimizecell stimulation by adjusting the gap between the panels, space betweenthe panel layers and selecting appropriate non-planar surface angulationof the panels to facilitate total or near total reflection and recyclingof light in the housing and complement the other variables.

Alternately, the PV system, according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, may be implemented as fixed ground units or as mobileunits to charge present day electric or hybrid cars. Thus, the PV systemcan be a suitable replacement for a battery or charging device.

FIGS. 32A-32E refer to yet another embodiment of the PV system 100. Asshown, the PV system 100 comprises a plurality of panels 10 in a firstlayer. Second and subsequent layers may include a plurality of unitshaving either a spherical or a cross-shaped geometry. Each of the unitsmay include one or more photovoltaic surfaces, one or more reflectivesurfaces or a combination of both surfaces. The panels 10 andphotovoltaic surfaces on the units may include one or more photovoltaiccells known in the art. The PV system 100 can be preconfigured orpreassembled.

As shown, the PV system 100 may include five layers. However, the PVsystem 100 may include fewer or more layers depending on electricityrequirements. As shown, the PV system 100 comprises a housing 30. Thehousing 30 may include a power supply assembly (not shown) known in theart that may be coupled to the PV system 100. The assembly may include abattery for storing a power signal generated by the PV system 100. Theassembly may further include an inverter for converting the stored powersignal from the battery to an AC signal.

The housing 30 may include a transparent top or top cover plate/sheet(not shown) as described in other embodiments herein. The top or covercan be made of glass or a suitable material that allows the transmissionof light and filter off specific wave lengths and facilitate reflectionof incident light inside the housing on to the panels 10 and sphericaland cross-shaped units. In one or more embodiments, the top or cover maybe coated with a transparent conducting film.

Each of the panels 10 in the first layer may be connected to an adjacentpanel by a transparent or translucent connector. The connectors can bebridge plates or strips or cylinders that are made of glass,polycarbonate or a similar suitable material. The connectors can becoated with an ultraviolet filter and/or an infra-red filter to allowonly optimal bands of light to enter into the housing. In one or moreembodiments, an bottom surface of the connectors may be coated with areflector material or coated with a transparent conducting film suchthat the connectors have a reflective surface underneath.

One or more of the panels in the first panel layer comprises an invertedpyramid-shaped geometry. One or more of the second and subsequent layerscomprises one or more speherical or elongate units. The units haveeither an elongated “cross-shaped” geometry and/or a spherical geometryalong and across the housing 30. The units having the “cross-shaped”geometry can include photovoltaic surfaces on all surfaces or reflectorsurfaces or a combination of both. The surfaces can be flat,rectangular, curved or a combination of flat and curved or arcuatesurfaces. The units having the spherical geometry may include conicalwedge cuts—with either flat or curved boundaries forming the surface forhigh quality reflecting mirror and peripheral surfaces along thediameter—forming the surface for photovoltaic surfaces. Both crossshaped and interconnected spherical units can include shafts at one end.The shafts may be coupled to a fan, such as, a wind spin fan or to asolar powered motor, located outside the housing. This will facilitatethe rotation of these spherical or cross-shaped units when the housingis mounted on automobiles which will again facilitate intermittent andcontinuous recycling of light.

The panels in the first layer and the units in the second or subsequentlayer may be separated from each other by a predetermined gap tofacilitate optimal recycling of light. The first unit in a second layeris positioned substantially beneath the gap between a first and secondpanel in the first layer, and a second unit in the second layer ispositioned substantially beneath the gap between the second and a thirdpanel in the first layer. Thus, the units in a second and subsequentlayer are arranged in a x+1/x−1, x, x+1/x−1, x . . . series, whereinx=number of panels in the first layer.

According to an embodiment, the electrical energy generated by the PVsystem, according to the embodiments described herein, can be collected,stored (for example, in a battery) and distributed through specializedmethods already in use.

According to one or more embodiments, if it is predetermined that thecells cannot handle the electricity generated due to the enormous amountof bouncing light rays within the PV system, an appropriate arrangementcan be incorporated into the PV system to reduce the percentage ofreflection inside the housing. For example, the reflection can bereduced by limiting the reflection to one limb of a panel (such as, onone side of the V-shaped panel) or some such similar arrangement.

According to one or more embodiments, there will be more energy outputper unit area of the PV system. This may facilitate the widespread useand acceptance of solar technology for consumer, commercial, defense,scientific and industrial purposes.

It should be understood that, as used herein, “first,” “second,”“third,” etc., and “top” and “bottom” are arbitrarily assigned and aremerely intended to differentiate between two or more panels, theirpositions, etc., as the case may be, and does not indicate anyparticular orientation or sequence. Furthermore, it is to be understoodthat the mere use of the term “first” does not require that there be any“second,” and the mere use of the term “second” does not require thatthere be any “third,” etc.

Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends andadvantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. Theparticular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as thepresent invention may be modified and practiced in different butequivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations areintended to the details of construction or design herein shown, otherthan as described in the claims below. It is, therefore, evident thatthe particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be alteredor modified and all such variations are considered within the scope andspirit of the present invention. While apparatus and methods aredescribed in terms of “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” variouscomponents or steps, the apparatus and methods also can “consistessentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. Inparticular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to aboutb,” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b”) disclosed herein isto be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed withinthe broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have theirplain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly definedby the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an”, as usedin the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of theelement that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of aword or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or otherdocuments that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitionsthat are consistent with this specification should be adopted. From theforegoing description it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat many variations or modifications in details of design, constructionand operation may be made without departing from the present inventionas defined in the claims.

1. A method for optimizing harvesting of solar energy comprising:providing a photovoltaic system for receiving the solar energy, thephotovoltaic system comprising: a housing; a plurality of panelsarranged in a first layer inside the housing, wherein at least one ofthe panels in the first layer comprises an inverted pyramid-shapedgeometry; and an array of one or more spherical and/or elongate unitsarranged along and across the housing, wherein the speherical and/orelongate units are arranged in a second and/or subsequent layer; andconnecting each of the panels in the first layer with a transparent ortranslucent connector, wherein the connector is configured to transmitincident light within the housing.
 2. The method according to claim 1,further comprising providing a cover for the housing to filter offspecific light wave lengths and to reflect the incident light inside thehousing on to the panels.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein atleast one surface of each of the spherical units and/or elongate unitscomprises a photovoltaic surface and/or a reflective surface.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising allowing the light tofall intermittently on the panels.
 5. The method according to claim 1,further comprising allowing the light to fall continuously on thepanels.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the connectors areglass plates or polycarbonate plates, and wherein the connectors arecoated with an ultraviolet filter and/or an infra-red filter to allowonly optimal bands of light to enter into the housing.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the panels and the photovoltaic surfacescomprise one or more photovoltaic cells.
 8. The method according toclaim 7, further comprising substantially trapping the light within thehousing, wherein the light is recycled within the housing in multipleplanes and multiple directions causing the trapped light to bepotentially reflected multiple times to cause photons to repeatedlystimulate the photovoltaic cells
 9. The method according to claim 1,further comprising providing a reflective surface underneath theconnectors.
 10. A photovoltaic system comprising: a housing; a pluralityof panels, wherein the panels are arranged in a first layer inside thehousing, wherein at least one of the panels in the first layer comprisesan inverted pyramid-shaped geometry; an array of one or more sphericaland/or elongate units arranged along and across the housing, wherein thespherical and/or elongate units are arranged in a second and/orsubsequent layer; and a plurality of transparent or translucentconnectors, wherein each of the panels in the first layer is connectedto an adjacent panel in the first layer with at least one connector, andwherein each of the connectors is configured to transmit incident lightwithin the housing.
 11. The system according to claim 10, furthercomprising a top cover for the housing, wherein the top cover isconfigured to filter off specific light wave lengths and to transmit theincident light inside the housing on to the panels.
 12. The systemaccording to claim 10, wherein each of the panels in the first layercomprises an inverted pyramid-shaped geometry.
 13. The system accordingto claim 10, wherein at least one surface of each of the spherical unitsand/or elongate units comprises a photovoltaic surface and/or areflective surface.
 14. The system according to claim 10, wherein atleast one of the layers comprises one or more panels having across-shaped geometry.
 15. The system according to claim 10, whereineach of the panels in the first layer is separated from an adjacentpanel by a predetermined gap to facilitate optimal recycling of light.16. The system according to claim 15, wherein a first unit in a secondlayer is positioned substantially beneath the gap between a first and asecond panel in the first layer, and wherein a second unit in the secondlayer is positioned substantially beneath the gap between the second anda third panel in the first layer.
 17. The system according to claim 16,wherein the units in the second and subsequent layer are arranged in ax+1/x−1, x, x+1/x−1, x . . . series, wherein x=number of panels in thefirst layer.
 18. The system according to claim 10, wherein the unitsfurther comprising a shaft configured for coupling to a wind spin fan orto a solar powered motor for rotation of the units.
 19. The systemaccording to claim 10, further comprising mounting the system on anautomobile.